Chair Yoga And Following Your Intuition: The Third Eye Chakra

Are you following your intuition? How is your sense of purpose right now? Are you feeling uncertain at this moment or are you feeling like you are on the right path? Do you have a gut feeling about anything? What do these questions have in common? Well, they are all qualities associated with the Third Eye Chakra.

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The Third Eye is the sixth of the main Chakras. If you are interested, this is part of our Chair Yoga and Chakra introduction series. You may be interested in starting at the beginning with the Root Chakra. This is just a basic overview with some practical and simple suggestions that we can add to our daily lives to help us feel more balanced, If you would like more information and a deeper read- this book is great for beginners: A Beginners Guide To Self Healing Techniques That Balance The Chakras

The Third Eye Chakra, or Anja Chakra in Sanskrit, means to command or to perceive and is known as the “ seat of intuition”. It is located at the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. It connects us to our higher power. It is associated with the color indigo blue and gross energy and matter. It represents, among other things, your intuition, your ability to perceive, forecast, and plan. It is associated with insight, intuition, vision, reality, imagination, and creative dreaming. When it is balanced we may have a sense of clarity, insight, and emotional balance, as well as trust in our decision making. We may have a better chance that we are following our intuition.

If it is blocked, you may feel stuck or have a loss of your sense of purpose. You may be unable to plan for the future and may find it hard to see a vision for the future. If you feel stuck in the daily mundane activities and you can’t seem to see beyond the day or plan for the future- you may benefit from some activities to help balance The Third Eye Chakra.

So, I mentioned previously in this series that even if Chakras are not your ”thing”- it is a great opportunity  to look at various aspects of our life and how it feels and see if we can make some changes. Or, add some new activities to our day to help us find more joy in the everyday.

So what can we do? Well, there are some simple ways that we can tap into our higher power and create more clarity. Keep reading for 10 practical and accessible activities or exercises you can do to help you find more purpose in the everyday and see a more clear vision for the future. I found some great resources, as well as added a few chair yoga poses.

10 Ways to Help Balance Your Third Eye Chakra- No Matter Your Age!

1. Intention Setting Affirmations

Let’s start with a simple and accessible way – set an intention with an affirmation. Simply repeat a positive affirmation a few times a day. You can pair this with some movement or breathing exercises or just simply repeat it on its own anytime and anywhere. If you would like some research on the power of affirmations, take a look:

Positive Daily Affirmations: Is There Science Behind It? 

You may even want to write them down and look at the words on paper- or post it somewhere where you think you need the reminder. You can come up with your own or take a look here at a few specific to the 3rd Eye Chakra:

I trust my intuition

I am open to new experiences and opportunities

I am a patient and present observer in my life

My mind is open to all possibilities

I see challenges as opportunities to grow

2. Mudras

Mudras are small or subtle physical movements, often a hand gesture, that serve to help make a change in how we feel- be it our mood, our energy, or our perspective. Remember not to force or strain- if something doesn’t feel right in your hands or wrists, make any adjustments you need or try another Mudra. You can give the Akasha Mudra a try right now:

• Gently touch your middle finger to your thumb- adjust the pressure until you feel a slight pulse.
• Try to keep the other fingers as straight as you can.
• If you are just starting out you may choose to sit in a comfortable position like this for a few minutes as you breathe and notice the sensations in your body and mind.
• You can work up to 15-20 minutes as desired.

You can find some Mudra basics here: An introduction to mudras – Ekhart Yoga

You can find some more Mudras For Beginners here: Yoga Mudras for Beginners: 5 Hand Gestures with Steps and Benefits

3. Breathing Exercises

I have written about the breath before. If you are interested in some basics, you may want to check out Breathing For Better Mobility. Not all breathing exercises are for everyone-so keep that in mind. You can always simply take 3 deep breaths- Sit with a nice long spine and take a nice long inhale and then a longer exhale. This will help you calm your nervous system and help you to see things more clearly so you can make better decisions. Or, here is one specific to the 3rd Eye Chakra:

Nadi Shodhana

Nadi means subtle energy channel and Shodhana means cleaning/purification. You may be interested in taking a look at this video on this breathing technique that offers a pretty clear description and instruction. It basically involves breathing in through one nostril and then breathing out through the other. You do this by using your fingers to alternate opening  and closing the nostrils.  When you are just starting this practice it may seem a bit stressful, and I don’t really recommend it for beginners. You can alternatively use your imagination as you visualize breathing in through one side and breathing out through the other. 

Take a look at this book if you are interested in learning more about the breath: Breathe Deep: An Illustrated Guide To The Transformative Power Of Breathing

4. Crystals

Crystals are known for their healing and cleansing properties. You can use them in many ways, You can start by simply holding them, perhaps as you repeat a mantra or positive affirmation. You can place them near you as you practice yoga or other movement practices. You can decorate your space with them. You can even wear them in jewelry. If you would like more information, you may be interested in this book. Here are some specific to the 3rd Eye Chakra:

• Amethyst
• Fluorite
• Labradorite
• Sodalite

5. Candle Gazing

Trataka is a meditation technique that involves focusing on a specific object with a soft gaze for a period of time-often a candle. This serves to increase focus and spiritual wellness. It is a type of meditation. To get started simply sit in a comfortable position and place a candle at eye level if possible. Simply breathe as you focus on the movements of the flame. 

As with any mediation, let thoughts enter the mind, acknowledge them, and then let them go. You may wish to set a time for a minute if you are just getting started and then increase from there if that is right for you. Take a look at this resource I found if you are interested in a deeper read:

Candle Meditation

6. Essential Oils

I have been wanting to learn more about essential oils for some time and I think now is a wonderful opportunity to get into more knowledge on this topic. You can use essential oils in many practical ways. Essential oil candles can be a simple way to help you get started- they are different from regular candles. I found two resources that can help get you started if you are interested:

Soul Care Mom

Getting Started With Essential Oils-A Beginner’s Guide

You may also be interested in this Third Eye Chakra Essential Oil Candle that I found on Etsy. It is handmade with coconut wax

7. Sun Salutations

Practicing Sun Salutations can help to balance the Chakras. Take a look here for some beginner information on the Sun Salutations and practice a simple modified seated chair yoga version: Chair Yoga Sun Salutations: A Modified Version. Once you get the hang of it, you could even try to practice it with your eyes closed and really focus inward. If you would like a standing version, you can take a look here.

8. Meditation 

Meditation is a wonderful tool that is highly accessible. You can do it anywhere and at any time. Take a look at this really brief introduction with this video if you are just getting started. There are many free and accessible choices on YouTube you can do from the comfort of your own home. Remember to be patient with yourself, start with a few minutes and work up from there. You may be interested in trying the following:

Mini Meditation: The Third Eye Chakra

9. Forehead Massage

This is an interesting one and also very accessible- you can even add some essential oils to this activity. Take a look at these two resource if you are interested in adding this to your routine:

Third Eye Chakra Massage

Open Your Third Eye And Activate Your Pineal Gland

10. Chair Yoga Poses: The Third Eye Chakra

This brings us to movement and 4 chair yoga poses you can try right at home. These four poses focus on the 3rd Eye Chakra. Take a look and give them a try if you are interested. Remember to never force or strain and always do what is right for you today. Repetitions are simply suggestions!

Here is a suggested warm up:

• Begin seated with a long spine, feet are firmly planted on the ground, and the arms are by your sides with the palms facing the body.
• Take a few deep breaths.
• Begin to roll your shoulders forward, up, back, and then down as you move with the breath-Repeat 2-3 times or as desired.
• Next, inhale as you raise your arms up to shoulder height, exhale as you lower- Repeat 3-4 times or as desired.
• Then, rotate the palms forward and inhale as you raise the arms up to shoulder height. Exhale to lower the arms back down- Repeat 3-4 times or as desired.

1. Downward Facing Dog

Hinge forward and reach arms forward and up

Rotate palms down and extend wrists, option to extend one knee

Option to extend both knees

• Begin seated with a long spine with the feet planted firmly and evenly on the ground
• Arms are by your sides with the palms facing the body
• Inhale to a long spine and exhale as you hinge forward at the hips – keep the spine long (it may only be an inch or two)
• Inhale to raise the arms forward and up
• Exhale as you rotate the palms to face down and extend the wrists as you bring the fingers back toward the face (eliminate the wrist extension if it is not right for your wrists)
• Stay here, or option to extend one or both legs out in front as shown
• Stay here for 2-3 breaths or as desired
• On an exhale, release the arms back down and hinge at the hips to return to center
• Repeat 1-2 times or as desired

2. Modified Locust

• Being seated with a long spine and the feet planted firmly on the ground
• Arms are by your sides with the palms facing behind you
• Inhale to lengthen the spine
• Exhale as you gently arch the back and bring the arms slightly behind the body  (as is comfortable)
• Stay here for 2-3 breaths as desired, lengthening the spine on each inhale
• On an exhale, gently release the arms to the thighs and the spine back to neutral
• Repeat 2-3 times or as desired

3. Eagle Pose

This can be a challenging pose, and there are many variations. You can start in your cactus arms and then bring the palms and elbows together and gently lift the fingers toward the sky:

Or try these variations:

Cross the arms at the elbows- you can keep the back of the hands facing each other or rotate the palms to touch

Option to cross one leg over the other

Option to wrap the foot around the opposite calf

• Begin seated with a long spine, arms are by your sides with the palms facing in 
• Inhale to raise the arms up to shoulder height
• Exhale to cross one arm on top of the other at the elbows
• Inhale to bend the elbows
• Do what feels right here, you can keep the back of the hands touching, or rotate one hand or both hands so that the palms are touching (I have the backs of my hands touching)
• Option to add the legs here by crossing one leg over the other- stay there or wrap the foot behind the calf. Lengthen the spine on each inhale. This option is not for everyone- do what is right for you
• Wherever you are, inhale and exhale as you lift the elbows up toward the sky
• Engage the core and be aware of your posture as you lengthen through the sides of the body
• Only do what is comfortable, do not force
• Stay here for 2-3 breaths or as desired, and then gently release the arms back down by your sides
• Repeat 1-2 times or as desired

Modification-   Clasp the hands together at the center of the chest and lift the knuckles up towards the sky as is comfortable- lengthen the spine and gaze up toward the sky.

4. Savasana

• Sit in a comfortable seat of your choice- support the feet and the spine with blocks, pillows or blankets as needed.
• Relax the muscles in the face and the jaw and release the shoulders away from the ears.
• Find rest and relaxation in this pose.
• Place the hands wherever you choose- you may rest them on the thighs, place one hand on the chest and one on the belly, or simply release them by your sides with the palms facing forward.
• Stay here for 5-10 minutes or the time of your choice. Focus on your breath, repeat a mantra, or simply relax into stillness.

Want More?

If you are new to chair yoga and would like more information on chair yoga poses for beginners, take a look at Is Chair Yoga Right for You?

Here are the other posts in this series:

The Root Chakra

The Sacral Chakra

The Heart Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Throat Chakra

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If you are interested in Positive Affirmations, this is a nice set of cards: 52 Positive Affirmation Cards

Or for health and wellness related printable pages, take a look at The Peaceful Chair Etsy Shop!

Namaste!

Disclaimer: The Peaceful Chair and thepeacefulchair.com strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before starting this or any exercise program.The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used in place of medical advice or information from your healthcare provider. Neither The Peaceful Chair, the peacefulchair.com, nor any of its contributors shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information contained in any links, videos, or any content on this website.